If Your Child Has Type 2 Diabetes—What He or She Needs To Know

It is easy to understand why your child may have problems with the necessary treatment program for type 2 diabetes. Adolescence is a time when teens struggle for independence and a desire to be like their friends, and because they feel invulnerable, they may engage in risk-taking behaviors for excitement. Developing type 2 diabetes could not come at a worse time!

Therefore, your child needs to understand that it is important to work as a family to manage his or her diabetes—and although lifestyle changes may be difficult, they are essential. Adolescents are not generally motivated by rewards in the future—rather, motivation for learning to manage their diabetes may more likely come from immediate gratification, such as improving acne, regulating menstrual cycles, improving their physical appearance and gaining more energy.